Intrinsically motivated qigong exercisers are more concentrated and less stressful

Low-intensity qigong exercise has been suggested as an alternative to more vigorous exercise when striving for health benefits. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether self-determined motivation and perceived stress are related to concentration during exercise, and to the amount of exercise carried out. Leisure-time qigong exercisers (n = 279) were assessed by using the Sport Motivation Scale, Stress and Energy Scale, and by self-rated Concentration. Exercise sessions per week, Session time, and ability to Set a time for exercise, and perceived Disturbance during exercise were also recorded. Participants who were in a Calm energy mood (low-stress, high-energy, able to set a time for exercise), displayed an increased Concentration on qi-flow (R(2) = 0.13) during exercise. An elevated stress-level correlated negatively with Health, Energy, Concentration, Sessions per week, Session time, Sessions performed during the previous week, ability to Set a time for exercise, and feeling Undisturbed during exercise (all p < 0.01). Intrinsic motivation was positively correlated with Concentration (0.24, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with Stress (-0.19, p < 0.05). Individuals who adhere to a regular qigong exercise regimen are more intrinsically motivated, less stressed, and more concentrated while exercising than those who do not adhere to a regular regime. This suggests that health-professionals need to be aware of these factors when prescribing qigong exercise for health benefits.